Heineken Ireland has announced it will increase the wholesale price of its draught beer products from 16 February, citing rising business costs. The hike will apply to the company’s full range, including Heineken, Heineken 0.0, Coors, Tiger, Birra Moretti, Murphy’s, Orchard Thieves, and Beamish.
The average price rise is 3.1%, which translates to an increase of between 6c and 7c per pint at the wholesale level, depending on the brand. Heineken Ireland said the move is necessary despite ongoing efforts to manage costs across its operations.
A company spokesperson said: “Our business continues to face cost increases. While we are committed to finding and acting on ways to reduce those costs, we unfortunately need to amend our pricing. A blended 3.1% increase will take effect from 16 February 2026 across our draught product range.”
In a letter to publicans obtained by RTÉ News, Heineken confirmed that deliveries made on or after 16 February will be charged at the new rates. The letter also reminded pub owners that, as independent businesses, they retain full discretion over the price at which they resell the products to customers.
The company emphasised its support for the on-trade market, noting that it will continue investing in initiatives to help pubs meet consumer needs.
The announcement comes shortly after Diageo confirmed it would raise the wholesale price of its Guinness products from 2 February. The increase for Guinness pints will be 7c, while a pint of Guinness 0.0 will rise by 10c.
Industry analysts say rising costs across production, distribution, and energy have prompted several brewers to adjust prices for pubs in recent months. The increases are part of a broader trend in the on-trade sector, where suppliers are balancing higher operating costs with efforts to maintain strong relationships with publicans and customers.
Heineken’s range of brands includes both mainstream and specialty beers, and the company remains a key supplier for pubs across Ireland. By applying a uniform price adjustment across its portfolio, Heineken aims to ensure consistency while continuing to support bars and restaurants in attracting and retaining customers.
The changes underline the ongoing pressures facing brewers in the Irish market as inflationary costs affect supply chains and operating expenses. Publicans are now considering how the new pricing may affect retail prices for consumers, particularly as other brewers implement similar increases in the coming months.
With both Heineken and Diageo adjusting prices, the move signals a wider shift in the industry that could influence pub pricing and consumption trends throughout 2026.
